Toe-tapping remake dances to some mighty familiar tunes

By Devin D. O’Leary

Footloose was always kind of a dumb movie. I’m not saying I and millions of other people like me didn’t love the film. I’m just saying it’s a corny construct, what with its twinkle-toed rock ’n’ roll rebel and endless music montages. But it succeeded thanks to one of its era’s most ecstatic pop soundtracks and the Reagan administration’s prevailing attitude of repression. Back in 1984, mere months before Tipper Gore founded the Parents Music Resource Center, it wasn’t at all far-fetched an idea that evil government and religious forces could band together to outlaw rock ’n’ roll. Back then, the plot to Styx’s 1983 concept album Killroy Was Here (a postapocalyptic world ruled by music-hating evangelical fascists) seemed unlikely ... but thrillingly plausible.

An interview with the producer-director of Hot Coffee

By Ty Bannerman

Most people have heard about the McDonald’s coffee lawsuit—the infamous 1992 case in which 79-year-old Stella Liebeck purchased a cup of coffee at an Albuquerque McDonald’s, spilled it and then sued the company for $2.86 million. Most people made up their minds about it long ago. But those who view Hot Coffee, attorney Susan Saladoff’s new documentary about the case, may find themselves questioning everything they thought they knew about the lawsuit.

“American Horror Story” on FX

By Devin D. O’Leary

The idea of “Glee” writers-producers-creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk dreaming up an erotic-grotesque horror series for FOX’s envelope-pushing cable cousin FX sounds, at first, like a really bad idea. But then you might remember the duo also gave us six seasons’ worth of the FX-based plastic surgery drama “Nip/Tuck.” That show had more than its fair share of sick and twisted storylines (cannibalism, penis-free serial rapists, lobster claw babies, Brooke Shields as a stalker, Richard Burgi having sex with a couch). So, maybe they’ve got more than inspirational high school karaoke in them.

Docu Discussion

Peace and Security Funders Group is sponsoring an exclusive sneak peek preview this Friday, Oct. 14, of “Peace Unveiled.” The documentary follows three courageous Afghani women—a parliamentarian, a midwife and a young activist—who organize to ensure female rights in their country. Narrated by Tilda Swinton, “Peace Unveiled” is one part of the upcoming five-part documentary series “Women, War & Peace” to be broadcast on PBS this fall. The screening will take place at La Fonda Hotel’s Santa Fe Room and will be followed by a discussion with producer/philanthropist Abigail E. Disney. This screening and discussion is free and open to the public. RSVP is required, however, so you need to contact cong@peaceandsecurity.org to secure a seat.